Spiralled Area of Convection East of Japan

While Tropical Storm Yagi (03W) churns to the south of Japan, a large, spiralling area of convection can also be observed to the east of the country. Atmospheric convection is the result of a parcel-environment instability, or temperature difference, layer in the atmosphere. Different lapse rates within dry and moist air lead to instability. Mixing of air during the day which expands the height of the planetary boundary layer leads to increased winds, cumulus cloud development, and decreased surface dew points. Moist convection leads to thunderstorm development, which is often responsible for severe weather throughout the world.